Louis Edward Johnston

By the early morning lite of August 6, 1932, ushered in by summer heat and the lingering aftermath of the Great Depression, Roscoe Johnston’s hopes were answered in the birth of a son, 8# 6oz Louis Johnston. Born in the family home with 2 older sisters, Katherine and Lucille attending to their mother Louisa.

Born in tough times and tough conditions, this would set a pattern for his life growing up in poverty and struggle. Fortunately he didn’t realize he was poor during these years; it was just the normal way of life. This all changed when a younger sister, Shirley was born. At this time, he was introduced into the city schools of Corning High School. Quite a shock from going to a one room school house with 2 students and an 18 year old student teacher into 9th grade high school.

Education in the later years was a struggle and the opportunity to enlist in the US Navy provided an escape from his perception of no hope dead end life. After graduation and a few meaningless jobs, enlisted into the Navy occurred in 1951. The military was an eye opening shock and the immediate transfer overseas was an everlasting introduction to the real world. After serving 4 years in the military and travelling worldwide from Pacific fronts in Hawaii, Japan, Korea, China, Philippines and many small Pacific islands then to the Atlantic and Mediterranean areas of Spain, Italy, Turkey and other interesting ports of call.

So began the real education of life and individuality that would be forever embedded in his life and the things he believed. The return to civilian life with marriage and the birth of three children; Mike, Pam and Cindy. While beginning a working career in the machine shop business advancing to Aircraft industry as an apprentice Tool & Die Maker. Then the old bad luck charm shinned again with the closure of manufacturing plants and layoffs leaving thousands unemployed. With a small family and no job you do what you have to do to survive.

Thus began the introduction to the auto repair field in the little back room shop on East 14th St in Des Moines, Iowa and later advanced to a Ford dealership and then to 25 years’ service with Chevrolet dealers. During this period divorce and marriage to Fern, the true and lasting love of his life and in the process acquiring two step daughters, Jo and Carol that became the same as his own.

Relocation in the 1960’s to Spokane to continue auto repair. Although becoming very proficient in his trade and always providing for his family adequately, it became evident that would be as far as his skill could take him in that trade. With kids all gone from home in 1965 a change of occupations. Forming a contracting business, a Corporation was formed and for the next 25 years the construction of homes, commercial buildings and construction of all kinds occupied his time, leaving a legacy of homes and buildings throughout the Inland Empire.

As the Grandsons always said if you want an answer to something, ask Grandpa, he’s the answer man. He led his life with strong beliefs and opinions and probably sometimes to his disadvantage by voicing them at inappropriate times. He believed in God, Family, Country, Loyalty and truthfulness and despite child abuse, animal cruelty, elderly neglect and abuse, leaving behind an array of Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren (you know who you are).

Now he leaves you with fond memories and no regrets and a word of advice to the young family members: “Always dream and dream big. Dreams don’t cost a penny and be true and honest, love life and sometimes remember me I hope I bring a smile to your face and a little light to your heart”. I go now to join the ones I love who have gone before and I know I’ll be walking in the sunshine with my best friend Bud, my faithful old dog at my side walking hand in hand with my love Fern.